Santa Maria Novella

Who would have thought I would love a perfume store! I went back twice because everything smells good! Location: It is located in Florence, Italy. The interior is huge, and there is a good display of the perfumes. You will love inside it feels like you are in a museum! The entrance feels that you are rich lol Service: they are super nice and kind. They give good description of every scent. They gave freebies as well. Scent: there are a lot of choices but I bought 3 that are not that strong and smells like fruity and cotton. The best scents for me are ANGELI DI FIRENCE (they said it's the most famous scent, CINQUANTA and ALBA DI SEOUL. They all smell so good!! Price rating: 8/10, it is kinda expensive to be honest but it smells so good!! Definitely will go back here when I visit Italy again! A must!!!

It was expensive but fun. If you're looking for a unique Florence experience and have an idea of your base scent, you can scamper out either a perfume, soap, or candle in one of many fun scents. Ended up bringing home something for my little sister with some patience from the employee as well as something for me. Don't forget to do a VAT receipt for some tax money back!

I stumbled upon this place in my search for things to do while in Florence! To my surprise, it is located in close proximity to the train station. As such, when we arrived via the sped train this was our first stop! This store, like many places in Florence has beautiful architectural design to appreciate. However, it doubled as a fragrance retail store. They offer a variety of products from lotions, perfumes and candles. You have the opportunity to smell different scents. I was not a fan of the majority of the scents. I found one that was ok. I sprayed it on me to see if it had Lasting power as I roamed the city. For me, it only lasted maybe an hour. As such, I would not consider it a fine fragrance.

If you like perfume you have to come here to smell their products and learn about the history of perfume at this museum. There is a room containing artifacts from the original monks who made perfume. The interactive room was an awesome addition to the museum and smelled amazing. If you are looking to purchase perfume, lotion, soap, etc. there is an area in the back to do so. There are many staff members waiting to assist you as well. Very beautiful place!

Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a magical place and was so amazing. As you walk by the storefront you can smell the faint smell of various flowers. You walk in and you are now taken back in time to a luxurious time capsule that is truly breathtaking. The spot came highly recommended by a friend of mine who seems to know me well. This place is the oldest perfume store in Florence dating back 600 years and after smelling some of the fragrances you know why they are in business still. There are so many options to choose from and shopping here is an experience. From the shopping bags to the packaging it is amazing to watch them bag and wrap the fragrances. They have various sections in the shop. They have a lotions, soaps, fragrances and home products section. In the fragrance area, you have the opportunity to smell all the fragrances then when you find one you like the merchant will provide you with an NFC key card that holds your shopping list. Then you go to an area with lots of drawers and cabinets and hand them your card and they scan it and package all your stuff. You can watch the ladies work and put your order together like magic This is truly an experience and I loved almost every fragrance they had.

This location is definitely worth a visit, even if you're not in pursuit of a new fragrance. They have a few locations in Florence, but this is the mother load. There's paintings of all the presidents from the company start in the 13th century. I only saw one woman, but alas the patriarchy. There's an exhibit. It was extremely crowded. It smells nice. All of the Perfumes or Flora but they have a few more options with the clones. There are candles and skin care. It's a nice spot to poke around. I love the way they have made it so easy to test smell each perfume, although I worry I might catch something from all the other infected noses.

Mind blowing experience for a perfume/scent store. A store that boasts history and class. Lots of aged artwork and I'm sure there are stories behind all the scents. Definitely worth a visit, never experienced anything quite like this! Walked out with 2 bottles of home diffusers.

Stumbled upon this place and glad we did! The oldest pharmacy in Europe? While that might be interesting, the real reason you should go here is because the decor is amazing, it smells great, and all their products appear awesome. They use old world recipes and the packaging is real nice. All their items are unique and would make ideal gifts that would make people jealous of your trip to Florence! Be sure to get rose anything (water, liquor, toner, etc.). IG photo ops for days at the front entrance hallway.

Impressive selection of fine fragrances although very pricey. Impressive ambiance! They were very courteous with answering questions regarding different scents

Earlier this year, the CBS show "Sunday Morning" devoted a program to Florence, including of course this spectacular "farmaceutica." We would have visited no matter what, but the location was a bonus being walking distance from our hotel. Even if you don't plan to buy anything, do indeed stop in. Nobody will pester you or pressure you into a sale. Seriously, how many stores have you been to that date back to the 1600s?! With lotions, potions, soaps and whatnot, we zeroed in on the cologne. The woman manning the perfume counter patiently helped us with their wide array of scents. Ironically my daughter and I independently chose the same one: a subtle mélange of jasmine and rose (Angeli di Firenze). An insert in the box provides an overview; ours was developed in 2006, marking the 40th anniversary of the Florence flood, and dedicated to the "mud angels" -- young people from around the world -- who helped restore the city. The staff is subdued and genteel, a throw back to an earlier time. And the décor -- museum-like.

What an absolute gem, the atmosphere, the quality and variety of product , the service and the results! The fragrances are so varied I have favorites for each season. The melograno is so distinctive and perfect for spring and summer, I use the soap as well as cologne. The tobacco toscano is a brilliant fall and winter fragrance again layer with the bar soap and fragrance. Now for the foot cream, this is nothing short of a miracle! My partner is a Pastry Chef and stands all day. One application and the feet look and feel better, two and they look years younger and healthier. As a diabetic I am always aware of my feet for circulation and my endocrinologist is amazed of the condition of my feet and I swear it all has to do with the miracle effects of the SMN Crema Pedestre !!!! Yes it's a little pricey, however given the results I think it would be cheap at twice the price. There are always 6 tubes in my luggage after a visit to Florence. Visit the boutique, take it all in and enjoy!

Santa Maria Novella perfumes are one of a kind, meticulously produced scents from one of the oldest perfume houses in the world. Top quality ingredients are combined according to discerning, old world recipes and birth the most amazing scents. There is a plethora of choices, but each fragrance is unique and memorable. I can't wait to visit Florence, where this gem of a store is located. Hmm, so many scents, so little time...

I don't think I've been to a place like this, so special with beautiful decor and lovely representatives who were far from being snobby even though one might expect that. The place is a historical gem!

I knew that I wanted to come here when I researched different places to go in Florence. I love perfume and knew I wanted to buy one here. The staff was extremely professional and helpful. The woman at the perfume counter allowed me to smell many different scents and was patient even when I wasn't decisive. Every scent is so beautiful and unique. I decided on the frangipane perfume. They only sell one size (100ml/3.4oz) and it is 100 euros. So it's a more expensive perfume but not absurd for the size. Plus the experience adds to it and it is in a beautiful building.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love my fancy creams and lotions. When we booked our Florence trip I was super excited - cradle of the Renaissance, fine wines, amazing food - all of that is great. But I might have been most excited to make a trip here.... Farmacia SMN has been around since 1221 and has been making unguents, elixirs and other such apothecarial wonders for hundreds of years. The actual space is incredible - full of antique compounding equipment and display cases full of beautifully presented products. When you step in, you'll be surrounded by a heavenly aroma of assorted balms, soaps and colognes. You'll also be surrounded by every goddamn tourist in the city who knows this fine merchandise is both hard to obtain and twice as expensive at home. There is a system here but it is confusing because literally no one will explain it to you. Let me set you up with some knowledge - each display area has a specific product type: soap, perfume, hair items, body car etc. The stuff at the counters is for looking at and testing. There is a giant menu of products in many languages at the front but of course, no prices. For that, you have to squeeze on up to the counter to view the ONE price list. Jesus H. Anyway, when you decide you tell the sales associate (when/if you can get one's attention) who gives you a little credit card. That card is used at each counter to rack up your purchases. When you're done, you present it at the till and your items are picked and packed for you. It's kind of stressful honestly and not in keeping with the serene atmosphere of the surroundings. That said, I cannot get enough of their hand cream which is a scandalous $65 (!!) at home but 1/2 that here. (It really is the best hand cream and worth every penny if your hands are chappy) So you know I stocked up on delightful products, much to the amusement and disgust of my long suffering husband who had to accompany me on this adventure. Sales staff ranges from downright hostile, to completely indifferent to wonderful. So is the hassle worth it? Oh hell yes. Stop in and treat yo'self.

This is one of the most breathtaking shops I've ever experienced. This is the oldest pharmacy in the world, having opened in 1221 and was right next door to our hotel, Casa de Howard. This is a must-see for anyone who is interested in self-care practices of other countries or high-quality beauty products. This profumo is an immaculate curation of perfumes, lotions and other beauty curios that is managed by a knowledgable staff of mostly women. There are many products with ranging price points, but I was unable to find anything I could pack safely in an airline-approved carry-on suitcase.

Since it's cheaper to buy Santa Maria Novella products straight from Florence, we made sure we stop by at the source while we were in the city. For a 3.3 fl oz bottle of cologne it's about 45euros here vs $125-135 in select stores in the US - that's double the price. The building itself is so nice. I have a fascination with old Catholic churches and Gothic architecture. Lots of history here and they've been operating the perfumery/pharmacy since 1612. This is connected to the museum, convent and Santa Maria Novella/ Santa Croce church. They have bath products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, creams and lotions. Perfumes, colognes, after shave, candles, potpourri, oils and even pills for allergies and some that treat skin conditions. They have a wide variety of scents like musk, jasmine, iris, lavender, rose, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, etc. The scent is mild and you'd love wearing it. Nothing offensive that could knock people dead with one spray. When you purchase a bottle of cologne, it comes with a twist cap and a mister/spritzer. For some reason, whenever I put it on, I feel like my sins have been forgiven only because it's connected to the church...but that's just the Catholic girl that I am.

Being a skincare enthusiast, I was most excited to visit this pharmacy as it's one of the oldest pharmacies in the world! Inside, the decor is very charming and classy and each room and section serves its own purpose (ie candles, perfumes, skincare, teas,etc). It also smells heavenly given all the different perfumes and candles. The ladies who worked there were very knowledgeable and sweet in helping me pick out products! Products I purchased and loved: * Acqua Di Rose - one of the pharmacy's popular products that was actually created in times of the Bubonic Plague. Works well to tone my face at night. * Angeli di Firenze perfume - subtle fruit notes (Cinquante was also a favorite of mine if you're looking for something with more light floral notes) * Candle in Rose - I opted for the candle that was also in the shape of a rose. I don't even have to light it and the room smells already wonderful * Wax tablets in Rose and Relax - these were suggested by the sales associate to use in drawers and closets to keep clothes smelling nice. They are reported to last about a year. Tablets are handmade with rose petals and slices of citrus placed in the wax, respectively. Very beautiful to look at! The scent Relax smells citrusy with hints of cinnamon to me. Being the oldest operating pharmacy in Italy, SMN also has the original scent they made for Catherine de' Medici under the name Acqua di Santa Maria Novella if you want to smell it! Overall, such a great place! Will be back!

If you love skin care products or fragrances or naturopathic remedies, head to this amazing little spot in Florence! It was so much fun to go through and learn about/pick out our items. What a gem or a museum and store!

From the moment you walk in the door you feel like you have stepped back in time. The aroma is amazing and opens up your senses to all the other things you are taking in as you walk around. There are counters for testing and artwork on the walls for viewing. There's a small chapel with fascinating artwork inside where the artist painted the owner who was a cardinal and the family crest of the lion into the scene of Jesus on the Cross. I ended up purchasing two scents. One for my husband and one for myself. They might seem to be a bit pricey, but it isn't watered down like many other perfumes and will last much longer. Give yourself a few minutes to look at the history on their touch screen computers and go enjoy a tea in the tea room.

I came here more for the history than the products, and it was a really lovely stop. There are several rooms that are stunningly decorated, a nice modern repurposing of the old space, which was founded around 1221. The space feels like a palatial layout with tall ceilings and domes and old paintings and frescos. This isn't a "pharmacy" in the modern sense, more perfume and naturalistic products which would fall more under beauty care nowadays. Worth a stopthrough for the history and to experience a high-end ancient shopping experience (I didn't buy anything but they let me take pictures).

Well I hope the only cure to your ailment isn't found here because it's pretty high-ended! Jokes aside, the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is a world-renowned pharmacy that has been operational for more than a millennium! Though it's no longer operated by the Dominican monks, the Pharmacy continues to run in a beautifully-restored building. Certainly, I came in under the wrong impression that I would be pick up herbs and pills, but this place is definitely more like a high-ended luxury goods store! Unless you are planning to buy a lot of high-ended perfumes and cosmetics, you probably won't be buying much here because everything here is at least 2-digit price per each small portion. That being said, don't be shy to walk in here and admire the architecture especially if you are already visiting the Basilica. Maybe you'll find something that will sooth you here...if you don't mind splurging a little! --- tl;dr version: 1) Ancient pharmacy converted to luxury goods store 2) Set in a beautifully-restored storefront worth checking out

This place has such an amazing history and luxurious products. The shop itself is beautiful and has various rooms dedicated to different products. One has perfumes, the other has remedies and liquors, the other has home items like potpourri and spa products. The staff is extremely attentive and speak many languages so tourists are covered. The perfumes are amazing and complex. They even have the original scent that Catherine de Medici commissioned. Definitely go and check this place out.

Beautiful pharmacy now a shop with products developed by recipes back in ancient times. This is the original place for the famous Santa Maria Novella line. The shop is adjacent to the a church in Via Della Scala. The imposing entrance leads to a gorgeous vaulted-ceiling chamber with displays of products. The next chamber has portraits in the walls. This is where the home products such as candles, potpourris and sachets are. To the left is the remedies chamber with the tonics, tisanes, vitamin supplements and other items for your health. They have restored a chamber that is filled with fresci and a space for a tea room and a flower shop. The FSMN is a huge space and I could happily while away the hours pouring over the products with their delicious scents in such an amazing setting. Load up on your gifts to take home because anywhere else is not as special.

It is an experience to visit this place - this shop opened in 1221 and created a perfume for Catherine de Medici, and in 2018 you, too, can buy something beautiful here. The lady at the perfume counter took plenty of time in showing me different scents, was very knowledgeable, and I never felt pressured to purchase. In addition to perfumes, you can purchase creams, lotions, home scents, and more.

The Perfume Workshop / Pharmaceuticals of Santa Maria Novella is something truly remarkable to visit in Florence. It's one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, linked to the order of Dominican friars and some ancient Florentine families: Acciaiuoli, Valori, Medici themselves. Everything starts with the Old Pharmacy, overlooking the cloister of the church of Santa Maria Novella (behind), no longer open as belonging to military school. The complex has recently been restored in honor of 400 years of business. Important for me to point out the usual Italian attitude towards what is unique: although the facility has been expropriated by the state several hundred years ago, and that the current property pay a monthly rental, all expenses have been left to burden of the latter. For the restoration, the property has decided to rely on a team of young women just out by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, who have done a splendid job. Then continue seeing the rooms where they sell the prepareted, once the infirmary and the church, and the rooms where until 1999 were distilled. With a little luck you can see also the places where there were once the stables, which were flooded and brought to light by the Angels of the Mud, and now home of the beautiful ceramics of Montelupo. About the church, according to legend, a lord of the Acciaiuoli was very sick and the only ones to find the cure (some bearberry) were the Dominican friars. To repay, Acciaiuoli family built the church, commissioned by the religious because of sick treated in the infirmary could attend religious functions without moving. There is also a beautiful Sacristy, frescoed with scenes from the life of Christ. In the lunette of the right, in the scene of the crucifixion is possible to see a lion, symbol of the Acciaiuoli family. The frescoes once present in the church are destroyed by fire. Among the fragrances, particularly famous is the one linked to the personality of Catherine de Medici: a really citrusy fragrance. The building has recently opened a café where you can enjoy herbal teas and chocolates.

What a find. Reputedly the oldest Pharmacy in Europe (1221). A little difficult to find as the entrance is unobtrusive amongst the other buildings but well worth the hunt. The first thing that hits you is the beautiful aroma as you enter, then the architecture. Good information on flat screens throughout the visit. But just wander and take it all in.

This is such a amazing spot! It is well hidden among the streets of Florence. According to their history, they are one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. The shop is like a mini museum. They sell soaps, fragrances, and herbal concoctions. You have to get a card from the vendor who inputs items you want to buy. Once finished, you bring your card to the register where they give you the items you ordered.

Such a beautiful store with a history dating back to 1221, and once served Catherine De Medici (they still sell the perfume they created for her!) Personal favs: Wax tablets that you can place/hang to make your clothes smell great, 12 euros and come in a variety of scents - rose, lavender, citrus etc Candles - a bit on the expensive side but very high quality, unique scents such as Kyoto Almond soap Not so great: entirely based on my personal preferences, but I found their perfumes to be too overwhelming strong and headache inducing. Others I know have loved it so it depends on your preference. Tips: If you're aiming for a tax refund, spend about 150 Euros in one visit (Italy spending requirement) Ask for an electronic card when you stop by your first counter, they will load your desired items onto the card. You can then review your items and edit your cart as needed on the electronic display screens in each room, and once done, head to the back room with your electronic card to check out and collect all your items

As a historical site of interest, this SMN is unparalleled -- the architecture and decor, the artifacts, the very opportunity to travel through time! What is sad, however, is that the products are no longer original formulas -- at some point synthetic preservatives were added to them (parabens), and there is no longer anything made without. So sad! I would have *loved* to purchase something, but I really prefer formulas that are as close to nature as possible.

This place is wonderful! I went here in May 2014 and purchased their "skin pills" which are to help with blemishes/breakouts. I take it twice a day in the AM and PM in between meals and it is truly wonderful; I love it! It has worked wonders and of course, it is 100 percent natural! Highly recommend this place; they have a menu of what to purchase for certain "ailments" it's around 32 Euro for 140 pills in a bottle. The BEST! ~Tamara

The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a 16th century perfume shop in Florence. The boutique carries a selection of perfumes, oils, soaps, lotions, candles and potpourri. The building is absolutely stunning inside and is worth a stop if you are in the neighborhood. I didn't realize that this boutique only carries their own private line and I was actually in search of a bottle of Nobile 1942 perfume so I didn't purchase anything during my visit. Personally I wasn't a fan of the perfume scents I tried (and the products were quite pricey), but I would stop in again to try more of the scents.

A place that has history, beautiful women working there AND shopping!? No doubt this place appears on many tour books and for good reasons. Before sounding like a pig about beautiful women, they took a page (maybe the other way around?) out of department stores' perfume section, where dressed-up women would spray a mist of chemicals in your eyes, hoping to incite a reaction. But it works, since there were a bunch of people there when we went, and almost everyone bought something. I resisted the urge to purchase anything but after touring the area a bit (there are several sections, so get lost and explore), I wanted to purchase a few gift items for the sake of history. Their items (tea, perfume, soap, chocolate, supplements) are not cheap. Heck their toothpaste costs a good $6 euro! What really works is they give you these cards (not unlike the Dave & Busters/Gameworks cards) so you don't carry a bunch of product around, but probably also gives you that credit card feeling that you're not actually spending money. At least not until you've reached their checkout area. Make sure to collect a VAT form if you purchased a bunch of items valued over (~$120 euro, but that may change) so you can get your tax refund (if you're a non-EU citizen).

This place is magical. Upon leaving, my husband, who hates any shops with strong smells and who will go out of his way to avoid perfume counters at department stores, said he really enjoyed picking out gifts here. Santa Maria Novella is worth stopping in just to take in the beautiful building and the history. It's stunning. The service too was gracious and top-notch, without being pretentious or pushy. We ended up buying some soaps, hand lotion, and potpourri as gifts, which were all exquisitely wrapped while we were still browsing (unbeknownst to us). A lot of reviewers commented on the high cost, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't outrageously expensive at all. There were plenty of gift options ranging from €30-€75 that were lovely. Sure, they have pricy items but from what others said I was expecting every bar of soap to be €30 euros or something. Not the case at all. Apparently, SMN celebrated 400 years recently and uses recipes for their fragrances/products that date back more than 1000 years. If you're in Florence, make this a must-stop. It's too wonderful to pass up. It's one of the most unique and charming shopping experiences I've had anywhere.

Recommended by a friend to come here. The building is from the 1300's, the Farmaceutica is from the 1500's, still selling original formulas today. Very cool. Each room is different and feels like a museum yet its a fully working/running Pharmacy. Wish I bought some items.

It's quite simple... Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a marvelous old world pharmacy that stocks all sorts of soaps, fragrances, and other products made using original Dominican formulations. And even if you don't plan to shop at the beautifully restored apothecary, it's still worth a visit for the view of the cloister, the frescoes in the Sacristy, and perhaps for a cappuccino in the Tea Room. However, if you *do* intend to shop there and you happen to be a man, be prepared before you go. Unless you are accompanied by your wife, your sister, or your girlfriend, you will not be helped. In fact the staff will barely acknowledge your existence. Waiting patiently to ask about some of the soaps that are identified as being especially for men with the intention of treating myself to a scent that I could not find at home, the young sales woman assisted each female customer who came to the display, three in all, while I stood there. Now I could have forgiven a moment of old-world deference--allowing a woman to be assisted first--but to be ignored without acknowledgement, without even a word to let me know that I'd be helped at all is unacceptable. I left without the soap I'd come for, and frankly I won't return.

I am distraught not to give them 5 stars, I really am. I've been obsessed with SMN for about 7 years and had I written this even two months ago, I would have given them the 5. Their products have always been the best. I really do mean that, no exaggeration. The nuns of Santa Maria Novella have been making lotions and sundries since 1200, and selling them since 1600. I have long lusted after the Solari cream (face lotion with SPF), which smells amazing and works like nothing else on my sensitive skin. I also refuse to use any bubble bath that is not SMN Chammomile, and my husband only uses their shaving cream. So about my sensitive skin and the loss of one star... I have developed an allergy to soy Vitamin E, which is cheaper for companies to use than real VE. The chemical name is Tocopheryl/T Acetate, and after traveling 6,000 miles and gleefully running into the store, guess what's now being used in my favorite Solari cream? Really, guys? You're supposed to be the best, not trying to save a few measly bucks and resorting to chemicals.

One of the few things to do in Florence on Sunday, this girlie paradise is a must see. Imagine a lavish ornate palace, room after room filled with scented soaps, sprays, teas, and tinctures. Although the products have been made for centuries, the operation is high tech- you get a card they swipe on an iPad at each station allowing you to shop in encumbered and just pick it all up at the end. I definitely picked up a few gifts for the ladies in my life, and some for myself too. What better way to remember a wonderful time in a magical city than a little reminder every time you spritz :)

When I visited Florence this place was on my list. I wanted to go, wanted to go and walked and walked trying to find it. Low and behold my dad and I went out for our afternoon walk and stumbled upon SMN!! It was a hot summer day and the ladies working the store were probably sick to death of the tourists but I was thrilled to be there. I ended up ringing up quite a bill but left with many items I now love today. It's where my obsession on Violet SMN soap started! Definitely worth a visit if you love their products.

Second visit to this historical marvel. This is a shopping experience like none other. A must experience in Firenze.

This is an interesting store and definitely worth a visit even if you don't plan on buying anything. Please keep in mind that it is not easy to find. The only branding is the name lightly etched into the glass panels on the front door. The decor is very old, gold and shiny, yet the staff and touch screen monitors are very modern. It's a weird mix of old and new that tries very hard to seem high class. I almost bought some herbal liquor but couldn't convince myself to spend €45 on a 750 ml bottle. Maybe next time.

A pharmacy/museum near Santa Maria Novella (as the name suggests...) that you should not miss. This place is gorgeous, whether you want to show people who are visiting you the nicest spots in Florence or just for your own sightseeing, this is a place where you should go. I have never seen a Pharmacy so beautiful, it looks like a very beautiful museum and I promise that you will be taking thousands of pictures. All the products are superbly displayed, the perfumes especially which makes a beautiful round of colors. Ok so this was the review on the "sightseeing/touristic" side of this place. Now, what about the products they are selling? First they are quite expensive products, for instance I bought a rich and moisturizing cream at about 80€. (But if you just want a nice souvenir not so expensive, there are nice soaps at around 15€). What I was really surprised to discover AFTER i bought this cream is that it includes paraben. I am no doctor but i know that this is a very controversial product and I would have liked to know before buying. I am therefore coming to my main critic to this place (as a pharmacy selling beauty products): You do not see the products (the box and everything) before paying for them! It must make sense in their selling process and efficiency or whatever but it does not to me as a consumer who would have loved to check the composition before paying, and had I known about the paraben, I most probably would not have bought it. Of course you can ask to test the product and someone gives you a small sample of the cream on your hand but you cannot see the box and study it the way I usually try to.

Like others have said, this is a gorgeous "pharmacy"!! I've been here a few times on on various trips, and while I do love the way their products smell & look it's just too pricey-pricey. (I think a year ago I bought a whole bunch of their soaps, but have failed to even use them yet... ha!) But even if you don't buy something, it's certainly worth the effort to take a look at this store just for the architecture and history (if nothing else). It's certainly a gorgeous space.. They do have more than just perfumes and soaps; they have infusion teas, and some pharmacy items. This visit I purchased some "Aller Complex" - - supposedly good for allergies. I haven't started taking them just yet, but since i'm on an all-natural, homeopathic regime these days... I'm hopeful they'll work. :) BTW the Aller Complex was 22 EUR for 100tablets. I technically think that's close in price to some other homeopathic allergy pills I take. Hope they work - - cause then I'll be back to Florence soon!! :)

I was so excited to visit this place and find a new fragrance. The area with all of the colognes was a bit intimidating since they are lined up around a booth with one person attending it. She actually ended up being really helpful though because I could not make up my mind and so she made some suggestions. While my new fragrance certainly is not my new signature scent, it was worth the experience. I also walked out with some rose water for a less steep price tag too (cologne was 90 euro). The associates here also spoke several languages, which was really impressive! Americans need to step their game up!

Wowzer, this place is OLD. And expensive. But also, hugely pleasing to the nostrils. Founded in 1200, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Sante Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. It's regal and glamorous and everything smells marvellous. We sought it out after finding it on Yelp, and whilst it's not an unmissable stop when in Florence, it's still very much worth a visit, especially if you're a big fan of perfumes and cosmetics. The building itself is stunning and spacious, with a room devoted to perfumes, one to toiletries and candles and then another for herbal medicine. There's also some foodie bits along the way, with some honey and herbal tea on offer. As I said, it's expensive, but the ingredient quality is undoubtedly high and it is a real taste of luxury. - Worth stopping by!

Had a fabulous experience here. I have shopped at the NYC and LA locations (and online for several years), but going here is just magical - also a little cheaper too. Each product category has a dedicated sale representative. It was a little intimidating given just the amount of products they have, but each employee was kind and helpful making suggestions and demonstrations with each product. I went in to buy gifts, but left with so many treats for myself too. My must haves are the incense papers (great inexpensive gift), iris soap, lemon hand cream, melagrano wax tablets (melagrano everything really!!), lavender shampoo, Ginestra perfume and the pochettes and washcloths are also darling. I could have spent HOURS here, but was dragged away by my husband. Wish I had more time to peruse the tea, cookies etc.

I realize this place has a cult following and although historic and beautiful inside, I personally think it was overrated. I am just not a fan of the fragrances, and for the price, I didn't find anything I couldn't live without. There are better Farmaceuticas to shop at in Florence.

Extraordinary place selling rare fragrances. In my opinion as good as Floris or Penhaligon's. Worth a visit.

Shopping here was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Florence. I originally learned about the shop from my Rick Steve's guide book, however, the place wasn't busy or touristy at all. It was actually quite hard to find. From the Santa Maria Novella Piazza go right and walk a while on the sidewalk. Eventually you will see a small sign. Once you enter the door you go through a long hallway/foyer to the back where the shop is. The architecture alone is worth a visit, with ancient rooms and high ceilings. The center room was originally a chapel and later, along with its surrounding rooms, turned into a pharmacy run by monks. The set up of the shop is a little confusing. There are several rooms and each room has different products in it. The first room has perfumes and skin products, the back rooms have things for the home, elixirs, herbal remedies, soaps, etc. and then the very back room has tea and liquors. All of the products can be demoed and sampled, so take advantage! I spent about 30 minutes at the perfume counter smelling all the different options. The sales lady was excellent at knowing what scents I like and being able to recommend other perfumes with similar qualities. I was also very impressed with her ability to adapt to customers and speak many different languages. I ended up buying their Santa Maria perfume, which was their flagship perfume created for Queen Catherine in the 1500s. It is a lovely herbal scent with strong notes of bergamot. It set me back 65€. My husband, who is fond of smokey scents, got the Espanola cologne which also has a hints of spice and costs 90€. I also took a stroll over to the skin care counter and got a lovely big bottle of Rose Water Toner for 12€. It smells so wonderful and sweet, perfect for after a relaxing bath. The Camomile bubble bath I bought goes perfectly in my bath as well. I love how potent their products are and how good they feel on my skin. I have to confess that my favorite section of the store was the tea room. We were able to smell several of their decadent tea blends and I ended up settling on their Sicilian blend, which has black tea and the rinds of several citrus fruits. I can't remember the pricing but I was able to get a reasonably priced envelope of tea (maybe 10€?) for myself, but also a beautiful glass jar of tea for a gift for around 20€. At the tea counter is also where they store their various liquors. O. M. G! They are extraordinary. We were able to taste as many as we wanted. The chocolate and cappuccino liquors especially stuck out to me. The chocolate was thick and creamy, more like a boozy molten chocolate sauce. However, my husband settled on the ancient Alchermes liquor for 45€ (I believe). It is quite astringent with herbs but very good and a beautiful red color. We can't wait to go back next time and buy more! I will also mention that their check out process can be a bit confusing. Once you pick the product you want they scan a card on their computer to open your own personal shopping account. From then on anything you want it just added to the account, along with details such as if you want it gift wrapped. As you pick more items just hand them the card. Once you are completely finished head to the cashier room, hand over your card, and pay. They will already have your entire order pulled and ready to go! Be sure to get a tax refund form if you spent a hefty amount so that you can be reimbursed some money at the airport or via mail. If you like all things fragrant and appreciate craft products then definitely head to this ancient pharmacy on your trip to Florence. And if you can't wait until then, check out their website for some limited products. Sure it is pricey, but I felt it was worth every penny for such great products. Tip- ask to use their private locked restroom, it was by far the nicest one I visited in Italy.